Useful Language for B1 PET WRITING Exam

Writing Task 1 – Email

Instructions:
You have received this email from your English-speaking friend, Alex.

Subject: Visiting your town

Hi,

I’m thinking of visiting your town next month, and I’d love to know more about it. What’s the
best time to come? What interesting places can I visit? Also, do you think I should stay in a hotel
or rent an apartment?

Looking forward to your advice!

Alex

Write an email responding to Alex’s questions. Write about 100 words.

Model Answer – Email

Subject: Re: Visiting my town

Hi Alex,

Great to hear from you! I think the best time to visit is in spring because the weather is
pleasant, and there are lots of outdoor events. You should definitely check out the old town,
which is full of history, and the local park—it’s perfect for a relaxing walk.

As for accommodation, I’d recommend renting an apartment if you want more space and
privacy. However, hotels are convenient and offer great services. Let me know what you decide!
I can’t wait to show you around.

Take care,
[Your Name]

Writing Task 2 – Story

Instructions:
Your English teacher has asked you to write a story. Your story must begin with this sentence:

"As soon as Emma stepped off the train, she knew something was wrong."
Write your story in about 160 words.

Model Answer – Story

As soon as Emma stepped off the train, she knew something was wrong. The station was
unusually quiet, and the streetlights flickered ominously. She reached into her bag for her
phone, but it wasn’t there. Panic rose in her chest.

Suddenly, a voice behind her said, “Looking for this?” A stranger held up her phone. Relief
flooded over her, but before she could thank him, he added, “You dropped it in the train.”

Emma hesitated but took the phone. As soon as she unlocked it, a message appeared: "Be
careful. Someone is watching you."

Her heart pounded. Was this a prank? She turned to ask the man, but he had vanished.
Shivering, she hurried towards her hotel, constantly glancing over her shoulder. That night, she
couldn’t sleep, wondering who had sent that message—and why.
Useful Language for PET B1 Writing

1. Emails & Informal Letters

Opening & Greeting

 Hi [Name], / Dear [Name],

 It’s great to hear from you!

 How have you been? / I hope you’re doing well.

 I’m really excited to hear your news!

Making Suggestions & Giving Advice

 You should definitely do...

 If I were you, I’d...

 Why don’t you try doing...?

 It would be a great idea to...

 One option is to...

Recommending Places & Activities

 You can’t miss...

 It’s worth visiting...

 I highly recommend going..

 … the perfect place to...

 You’ll love it because...

Ending & Closing

 Let me know what you think!

 Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

 Hope to see you soon!

 Take care / Best wishes / All the best,

Beginning the Story

 As soon as...

 It all started when...

 Out of the blue, …

 Little did I know that...

 I had never felt so (adjective) in my life.

Describing Feelings & Reactions

 My heart was pounding.

 I couldn’t believe my eyes.

 I was over the moon.

 I was scared out of my wits.

 My stomach turned.

Phrasal Verbs for Stories

 Run into (meet someone unexpectedly)

 Set off (start a journey)

 Find out (discover something)

 Come across (find something by chance)

 End up (finally be in a certain place/situation)

Ending the Story

 In the end, …

 To my surprise, …

 I’ll never forget that day.

 It was an experience I’ll always remember.

 And that’s how it all ended.

Describing Places

 A lively and vibrant city

 A peaceful and charming village

 A breathtaking view of...

 A bustling market full of...

 A hidden gem in the city

Describing People

 She has a heart of gold.

 He is the life of the party.

 She is always there for me.

 He has a great sense of humor.

 She is as cool as a cucumber.

Describing Objects

 It is made of (wood, plastic, glass, etc.)

 It looks like... / It reminds me of...

 It is used for...

 It is bigger/smaller than...

 It’s in perfect condition.

Giving Your Opinion

 To my mind,…

 I strongly believe that...

 As far as I’m concerned,...

 If you ask me,...

Agreeing & Disagreeing

 I completely agree with you.

 We’re on the same page.

 I see what you mean, but...

 I’m afraid I don’t agree.

Expressing Pros & Cons

 On the one hand, ... On the other hand, ...

 The main advantage is... / The main drawback is...

 Another reason is that...

 However, we should also consider...

 Despite this, many people believe...

5. Connectors & Transition Markers

Adding Information

 Furthermore,

 Moreover,

 In addition,/ additionally

 Not only that, but...

Contrasting Ideas

 However,

 Yet

 On the other hand,

 Nevertheless,

 Despite this,

Giving Examples

 For example,

 Such as...
  Like...

 A good example of this is...

Showing Cause & Effect

 As a result,

 Because of this,

 Therefore,

Sequencing Events

 First of all,

 Then,

 After that,

 Finally,

6. Phrasal Verbs for Different Topics

Daily Activities

 Wake up / Get up

 Go out (leave the house)

 Come back (return)

 Eat out (have a meal in a restaurant)

 Take up (start a new hobby)

School & Work

 Hand in (submit an assignment)

 Catch up on (do something you missed)

 Get along with (have a good relationship)

 Look up (find information)

 Put off (postpone something)

Travel & Holidays

 Check in (arrive at a hotel/airport)

 Look around (explore a place)

 Get away (go on vacation)

 Pick up (collect someone in a car)

Shopping & Money

 Try on (test clothes)

 Save up (keep money for something)

 Pay back (return borrowed money)

 Run out of (have no more left)

 Pick out (choose something)